First Saudi Woman in Olympic

Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani had raised the scorn of the kingdom's ultraconservative Islamic clerics, who said she was dishonoring herself by fighting in front of men, including the male referee and judges.

The zealot Mullahs want to protect her honor

Saudi preacher Sittam al-Dusri told The Associated Press that Shahrkhani's family should have protected her "as a precious gem" from the eyes of men.

Some have urged her not to jeopardize her place in the afterlife for a fleeting bit of fame on earth. Others warned that she and her family could face ostracism when she goes home. Others cast doubt on whether she was really Saudi, saying her appearance looked Central Asian. [1]

Rafid Fatani, a Saudi who pulled out all the stops to make sure he could attend Shahrkhani's match in London, walked out of the stadium afterwards proudly waving his nation's flag.

Some in Saudi Arabia use criticism of participation by women in society "just so they can empower their cause, and their cause is just to put women down."

"They have been brought up to believe women are subordinates, are second class citizens and should not have the same opportunity as men," he added.

The 16-year-old judo athlete, has already been referred to as an "Olympic prostitute" on a website at home. [2]

Reference

[1] Link

[2] http://www.suntimes.com/sports/14348897-419/scarf-wearing-sarah-attar-represents-hope-for-progress-in-saudi-arabia.html